Fun Fact: If all the resident students at Penn State Berks shut their computers down every night, it would prevent 692,251 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year.
This is just one of the energy-saving tips you can find on the Take Charge website. Take Charge is an environment campaign that is an outgrowth of the university's Guaranteed Energy Savings Program (GESP).
The campaign debuted in the fall 2006 semester at Berks. Besides reminder stickers and magnets around the dorms, a key element in the campaign is the Take Charge website. The website features a variety of ways to conserve energy and more importantly, why it benefits you to "think green."
Students can also get involved with the Environmental Awareness and Community Action Project. Over the years, students have been involved in a variety of projects with partner organizations. They have removed invasive species and planted native species; created rain gardens; developed signage, brochures, and education materials; cleaned up rivers and trails; helped with the redevelopment of a local school garden; built owl nests, and more.